DETROIT — The Jets started their season in the most ignominious way imaginable.

Sam Darnold, the team’s No. 3 overall pick who won the starting job and is their great quarterback hope of the future, scrambled madly on his first career snap against the Detroit Lions. He hurled a pass across his body and it was promptly intercepted and returned for a touchdown by Lions safety Quandre Diggs as Ford Field shook with a deafening roar.

The season was only a few seconds old, and already it felt as if hope was lost.

It all felt so very typical of the Jets. And it made what happened next all the more stunning.

Led by Darnold, the Jets picked themselves up off the turf, got back in the game and then went on to crush the Lions, 48-17.

Everything about it was shocking.

The way it started, with a stunning mistake. The way the Jets, who showed very little fortitude last in 2017, responded, seemingly inspired by the poise of their rookie quarterback. And the thoroughness of this beatdown. The Jets, who were expected by most to be a bad team this year, dominated every facet of the game.

The scored the final 31 points of the game. They scored their first defensive touchdown sine 2013 and their special teams touchdown since 2012. And Darnold finished 16 of 21 for 198 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.

It’s still way too early to know what the Jets are going to be. Perhaps this was just one of those days where everything broke their way. Or maybe, just maybe, it was the start of something special.

Nightmare start

The thing that was so impressive about Darnold during the preseason is that he didn’t make a major mistake. That changed in a hurry.

On Darnold’s first play from scrimmage, he dropped back for a play-action pass, avoided pressure and then stepped up and threw across the field to Bilal Powell who was streaking down the left sideline. But Darnold didn’t see safety Quandre Diggs, who was playing behind Powell. Diggs stepped up, intercepted the pass and then returned it 37 yards for the touchdown.

It was worst imaginable way to start a career, short of an injury. And Darnold could only shake his head amidst as the Detroit fans lost their collective mind. It was the first time he looked a little wide-eyed since he was drafted back in April.

But throwing an interception on your first career pass isn’t the end of the world: Brett Favre did it and things worked out OK for him.

Bouncing back

Darnold’s second drive didn’t go much better. But on the third drive, before the first quarter was even over, he put the early interception behind him.

The most impressive play of the drive, which was set up by a great punt return from Andre Roberts, came on third-and-7 at the Lions 14.

With an empty backfield, Darnold took the shotgun snap, evaded the rush and found Quincy Enunwa for an eight-yard gain. It looked like Enunwa dropped the ball while making the catch, and Lions coach Matt Patricia challenged the play. But somehow the play stood as called.

On the very next play, Isaiah Crowell ran for a six-yard touchdown.

But the most impressive moment of Darnold’s debut came in the second quarter when he threw his first career touchdown. And it was a gem.

He spotted receiver Robby Anderson, who got behind the defense on the left side, and launched a perfect ball. Anderson made a leaping grab over safety Tavon Wilson, who was just a tad too late to come down with the ball to give the Jets the 17-10 lead.

Offensive linemen Kelvin Beachum and Brian Winters rushed to celebrate with Darnold, who is clearly impressing his teammates. Many rookies would have unraveled after the way the game started. But Darnold, most decidedly, did not.

Darnold also led a touchdown drive in the third quarter, finding Quincy Enunwa for a 21-yard touchdown.

By late in the fourth quarter, the Jets led by 31 and their fans who made the trip were were gathered by the thousands behind their bench, chanting “Sam Darnold!” The early mistake was just a memory, and the Jets’ hope of a brighter future felt legitimate.

Detroit Lions cornerback Quandre Diggs makes an interception and scores a touchdown against the New York Jets. The pick-six came on Jets QB Sam Darnold's first career pass attempt. Tim Fuller, USA TODAY Sports

Houston Texans linebacker Zach Cunningham breaks up a pass intended for New England Patriots wide receiver Chris Hogan with the help of defensive back Justin Reid during the second quarter at Gillette Stadium. Greg M. Cooper, USA TODAY Sports

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (runs past Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David during the first quarter of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Derick E. Hingle, USA TODAY Sports

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